Nico Marley may not be one of the biggest guys on the football team but he certainly is one of Tulane's team leaders. Coach Johnson describes Marley as, "probably the most vocal leader that we have just because he talks a lot and he is so little sometimes it is hard to take him serious but he packs a punch. He is a very smart young man and he has a heart of a lion." The junior linebacker started all 12 games last season as a sophomore and earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors in the Green Wave's first year in The American.
If the name Marley sounds familiar to you it's because Nico is the grandson of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. Music is important but not the only thing that runs through Nico's blood. Rohan, Nico's father, played linebacker at the University of Miami in the 90's, playing alongside Ray Lewis and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Nico followed in his father's footsteps which is a good thing according to quarterback Tanner Lee. "He won't tell you this, but he's got a terrible voice. He sings as loud as he can and it's bad, bad."
Looks like Marley has found his niche as a linebacker at Tulane. Last year, Nico was second on the team in total tackles with 82 and ranked first for Tulane in tackles for loss and assisted tackles.